Monday, 18 November 2013

Whispers of Spring.....Chapter 12

Chapter 12

The car came to a halt
in front of the Asha complex. Raj
unhooked his seat belt and turned to Naina. She was fast asleep huddled up in
her seat with her feet tucked under her… holding the flowers tightly to herself.
She had fallen asleep a few minutes after they had resumed their journey after
having breakfast. Obviously she hadn’t yet recovered fully from the previous
night’s ordeal. Raj wondered again what urgency had made her come here. They
had conversed on various topics, but through it all Raj had sensed a veiled
edginess in her. A few times she had looked at him as if she wanted to tell him
something but then held back.

He was about to wake
her when he noticed the file she was holding on to had slid down. He bent to
pick it up along with the papers that had slipped out. Raj saw they were all
related to Adi…his birth certificate, his admission form from Happy Hours
school where he started his schooling, his passport-sized photographs. Raj
paused for a few seconds and then returned the papers to the file before
turning toward her. He touched her shoulder, “Naina…Naina…Wake up. We have
reached.”

Her eyes flickered open
slightly and gazed at him unfocused; reaching up she took his hand and held it
to her cheek. She then smiled sleepily through hooded eyes, “Hi! You look
beautiful.” He smiled as she went back to dreamland still holding his hand. Raj
knew the sedatives of last night hadn’t worn off completely. Left to him, he
would have just sat there staring at her …but this was neither the place nor
the time. But then how will a few a more seconds matter? Just a few more…. Suddenly
a voice called out loudly, “Naina Ma’am…Naina Ma’am…you are here. Good morning!
Welcome.”

Naina jerked awake and
looked out where Baldev was rushing down the steps and then at Raj, blinking,
“Did you just growl Raj?”

“Of course not,” Raj denied
hotly knowing fully well that some such sound had indeed escaped his throat. He
would have happily throttled Mr Kalra for breaking the moment. Naina noticed
the hand clasp and wrenched hers away in embarrassment…looking up to find Raj’s
brooding eyes on her.

Baldev saved the moment for her by greeting her
overenthusistically once again. She wished him back and stepped out as he
opened the door for her. Raj got out as well, returning Baldev’s greetings and
looking at Naina, “I’ll be back in an hour. Is that OK with you?”

She nodded, “Yes. I
should be done by then.” She took a few steps after Baldev, who had run up the
stairs to open the office, and then paused to call Raj who was about to get
back in the car, “Raj!”

“Yes Naina.”

“Just before I awoke,
did I…umm…did I say something in my sleep?”

“Yes. You did.” Raj
kept his elbows on the roof of the car and looked at her, his eyes twinkling.

“Err…may I know what?”

“Yes…you may.”

“And??”

“And!”

“Raj!!”

“Naina.”

“Are you being funny?”

“No. But I cannot
repeat what you said. It’d be highly inappropriate.” He enjoyed the wave of
emotions crossing her face.

“Raj!”

“Alright…You said something
that’s in your heart.” He saw her eyes widen even as her face turned red.

“Raj!” She twisted her
fingers, “Please.”

Raj would have loved to
rib her further but he sensed a vulnerability in her stance, as she looked
at him fearfully, “C’mon Naina. I was teasing you. You need not take everything
seriously. You must have been dreaming of flowers because all you said was that
the flowers were beautiful. OK? Now go…I can hear the puppy yelp. He is going
to come back sniffing if you delay anymore.”

“Raj, you are
incorrigible,” she laughed. He winked and chuckled before getting into the car
and driving away.

Naina entered the
office and shut the door. She sat in front of Baldev across his desk and kept
the file between them, “Baldevji, before we proceed, I want you to promise me
that whatever I say will remain between us. It is a matter of great importance.”

All the casualness left
Baldev as he promised solemnly, “Of course Ma’am. You don’t have to mention
again. Nothing will go past me. You can rest assured. What is this all about?”

“It’s about my son Aditya.
What I suggest might seem very strange to you, but I have to do this. I need
your help. His entire life is at stake here. There are people who are going to
try to take him away from me.”

“Who are they, Ma’am?”

For the next twenty
minutes Baldev listened with rapt attention what Naina told him…not once
interjecting. Only his expressions reflected the horror he felt. When Naina
halted and looked at him, he said gravely, “Tell me what I have to do Ma’am.”

**************************

“Raj, please stop at
the Holy Cross Hospital for a few minutes. I need to speak to the matron
there.”

Naina had just sat down
in the car after waving at Baldev. Raj turned, “Is everything OK? You are not
feeling ill, are you?”

“No. I am fine. I need
to talk to the matron regarding the health check up of the Asha Deep children. Their annual medical is next month.”

“OK. If you say so.” He
nodded slowly, giving her a speculative look.

“Why are you looking at
me like that?”

“Naina,” he sighed as
he started the car. “The kids had their check up two months back, and you know
that. I am aware of it because that bit of info was part of Kalra’s briefing
when we came here last. I don’t mind you keeping things from me…that’s your prerogative.
You have your reasons. But Naina…you cannot shut yourself in like that. If
there’s a problem, you have to let others care for you and help you.”

She stared out of the
window. When he had given up that she would say anything, he heard her, “I don’t
expect you to understand Raj. It’s very difficult for me to let anyone in.”

“Accept it or not
Naina…but I am already in. Nothing can make me go away.” He glanced at her and
found her eyes on him, “And I mean nothing.”

Adi and Tanu were
waiting for them on the palace lawns. The rest of the day was spent in fun and
laughter visiting the Gopalpur zoo. Beeji stayed back with Ranima to discuss
about a party Ranima wanted to throw for Raj and Tanu. Altaf chacha would drive
her back home.

While Raj parked the
car and got the kids, Naina had joined the queue for tickets. The man behind
her was trying to be too close. Twice she told him to maintain distance…The
third time she turned to give him a piece of her mind, only to find him being
dragged away by the scruff of his collar by Raj toward the gate. When he came
back, Raj didn’t say anything, but took the kids’ hands in his and guided them
inside the zoo. That’s when she noticed his reddened knuckles. After the
incident, she found herself taking in his profile and sneaking a glance at him
when she thought he wasn’t looking. She felt Raj’s eyes on her many times. She accepted
that Raj being the kind of person he was, he felt protective toward her. He was an
honorable man and a good friend.

What boggled her was her own reaction to him. She
had barred away her emotions for so long that this deluge of feelings for this
man felt alien…yet they were as familiar as the warmth of the sunrise. She had
never felt this acutely attracted toward any man…ever…neither in her past life
nor now. He made her feel happy and belonged. Something about how he looked at
her tugged her heartstrings in a way she couldn’t recall before. She had no
right to feel this way…she had nothing to give him; yet she felt drawn to him,
wanting to be with him, wanting to talk to him, wanting him to smile and grin
in that inimitable endearing manner of his. She was treading on uncharted
territories…this ache, this strange need, this yearning could only take her to
a darker place than she already was. Nothing could come out of this wanting.

Naina was startled out
of her thoughts as she heard him laugh at something Adi said. The duo were
sticking out their heads between them from the back seat of the car and were
narrating him something, as they drove back home. Adi said something again and
Raj laughed harder with Tanu falling backward shaking with giggles. Naina found
herself joining in. God, she adored these three. Out of nowhere one word
flashed; “Mine.” She broke off her
thought as the rational part of her mind sounded the alarm. Oh my God! There
was no denying now. This was it.…She was
falling in love. Her brain choked on the thought as she shook her head as
if the strange idea would fly out of her mind. And when it didn’t, she stared
at Raj like a doe caught in headlights. He sensed the change in her and raised
his brow in query after stopping the car in front of her house. He was about to
say something when she scampered out. Beeji came out to greet them and asked
Raj to come in for a cup of tea. He declined saying Tanu was tired and left. Naina
refused to look at him when he wished them goodbye and stayed back near the
gate.

In her room, Naina sat
on the bed with a thump…feeling shell-shocked. Why now? Why should this
beautiful gift come to her now? She never imagined she could ever fall in love
and certainly not this way…so indelibly…so fast…so deep. She had thought her
barriers were strong enough, but Raj had stormed his way in, breaking all the
walls….leaving her exposed to heartbreak. For one weak moment she wished he
loved her back…because it didn’t seem possible that she could feel this much love
and not have him feel the same. But then it was not fair for her to expect that
he come down to her world. His and her worlds were different. She can never
have her happily ever after…Her marriage in that family had tainted her soul
and seen to the demise of her dreams.

Yet the question kept
coming back to her…Why now? Is this a sign? A gift of few moments of happiness
and love to be carried to the empty days of exile? Because leave she must…if
they come looking. She bent and picked up a picture of beeji and Adi kept on
the bedside table. She couldn’t let their lives be in peril. Tears streamed
down her face as she cried over all the love she was going to leave behind. If
only there was another way. How will she live without Adi? Without beeji?
Without Raj and Tanu? Just then her phone beeped. It was a message from Raj.

“Are you alright?”

She wiped her tears and
texted back: “Yes. Thanks for today.”

“Are you upset with
me?”

“No Raj. Why do you
ask?”

“You didn’t say
goodbye.”

“Sorry. Can I ask you
something?”

“Sure…And don’t
apologize.”

“If I don’t say goodbye
and leave, will it matter to you?”

“Of course it would. So
don’t ever do that. Promise me.”

“Good night Raj.”

She pressed the Send
button and set the phone aside. It rang within seconds.

“Naina, you didn’t
promise.”

“Raj, how can I promise
such a thing? What if I have to leave somewhere on an emergency?”

“Naina….for my peace of
mind. OK?”

“OK Raj. I promise I’d
do my best if ever such a situation arises.”

“Thanks Naina. Sleep
well. Goodnight!”

“Goodnight Raj!”

***************************

Next few days passed
peacefully. However, Naina was jumpy. Beeji noticed her tension. She came to
Naina’s room on Friday night. Naina was working on her laptop. She shut it off
and crawled toward beeji and then hugged her, “You are worried about me, aren’t
you beeji? Sorry for bothering you”

Naina disengaged
herself and stared at beeji for a moment, “I thought I could delay this, but I
can’t anymore. Beeji, they suspect I am here…they will find me soon.” She told
her about the phone call from the police station.

Beeji was shocked, “But
how? I don’t understand.”

“Remember that
journalist? He recognized me and passed on the word. He was attached with a
local newspaper in Balrampur around that time.”

“Oh my God! Naina, we
must go to the police.”

“No beeji. We can’t.
What will we say? There isn’t any crime yet. But I have to keep Adi from
falling into their hands. Beeji…” Naina paused and then continued, “If anyone
enquires, you will tell them that Adi is adopted.”

“What? But….”

“It’s the only way
beeji,” Naina interrupted. “I have been making arrangements to make it
authentic. Baldevji and Paula aunty, the matron in the hospital Adi was born in,
have helped me with the documentation. For all legal purposes, Adi is my
adopted son. His age will be documented as being almost 8 years and not 6.”

Naina and beeji talked
late into the night, making plans. The next day Naina was about to get into her
jeep after dropping Adi in front of his Cricket Academy, when a man stepped in
front of her. Just by looking at him, she knew he was not from these parts, and
her blood froze.

She tried to skirt
around him. But he stepped between her and the jeep, “Mrs Dhariwal your family
is looking for you.” He had a faded passport-sized picture of hers in his hand.

“Step aside mister. You
have the wrong person.”

She tried to get into
the jeep, but the man held her by the arm and pulled her back, “Oh no! I do
believe I have the right person. You have to come with me.” He twisted her arm
behind her when she struggled to get free.

Naina gave him a hard push
with her free hand and stepped back, “Don’t touch me. It won’t take me
two seconds to have you arrested if you don’t leave.” Seeing a few people
walk their way, the man let her go, but not without issuing a threat, “You have
one week to call your family. Here’s the number.” He threw a card inside the
jeep and walked away. She sneaked a look toward the academy gate to ensure Adi had gone inside, and then got on the jeep and drove away. She knew
she had little time now.

***********************************

Adi had watched the
entire scene of his mother getting harassed from behind the gates. He had
forgotten his gloves in the jeep and was coming back for them. That evening they
went to the mahal. Ranima had called them over so that they could plan the
party. She wanted it in a large scale and call everyone she knew in and around
Palampur….a sort of a Welcome party for Raj. She wanted to introduce her
grandson to all the Who’s Who of the state.

While Naina was busy
discussing the layout with Ranima and beeji, Adi went to Raj who was sitting on
a barstool in the corner, “Uncle, will you take me to the Armory? I want to ask
you something about that sword you showed me last time.”

Raj had a couple of
phone calls to make so he said, “Adi can we do this after a few minutes?”

Adi looked around and
saw his mother was busy. He had to do this before she got up. He bent down and
told Tanu, who was hovering around, “Tanu, please go to your room and get the
Ludo. We’ll play here, on that carpet.”

Raj looked down and saw
the stress on the little boy’s face. He cut off the call and walked with Adi to
the Armory. Once there, he turned, “What is it Adi? Is something wrong?”

Adi raked his fingers
through his hair and looked up at Raj, “Uncle, will you teach me how to fight?”

Raj was taken aback. He
hadn’t expected this. Adi may be fascinated with soldiers and wars and battles,
but he was the most peace-loving boy he had seen. He sat Adi next to him on the
settee and asked him, “Why this sudden wish Adi? Has something happened?”

Adi looked down and
kept quiet.

Raj tried again, “Adi,
I have to know. How can I teach you if I don’t know why exactly you need to
fight? And with whom? Did someone threaten you in school?”

Adi kept his head down
but shook it once.

“Then, is it your
mother?”

After a few seconds,
there was a nod…and then a whisper, “Yes.”

“Who was he Adi?”

Finally, he looked up,
his eyes brimming with tears, “I don’t know. But he was shouting at ma and even
pulled her down from the jeep so badly that ma almost fell. Then he twisted her
arm. If I see him again, I’ll beat him to pulp.” He fisted his hands on his lap
and looked at Raj, “You will teach me, won’t you?”

36 comments:

Oh di....I didn't want to stop dearLove the update so muchLove the teasing betweem raj and naina. Poor soul she thought she might have said something while she was asleep.Like the way raj respected her privacy.Am glad she let beeji know about her trouble, insecurities and how she is going to protect Adi, oh only if she could let Raj know too.Raj and Naina phone conversation was nice but hope she is not leavingThe man at Adi school hope he will not be a threat to her life now.Love the confidence and possiveness in Adi about his mom being harrassed by a strange. What a boy really deserve the title "Man of the House" LOL!!Can't wait di.Continue soon and thanx for the pmHope ur health is better :)Take careBillie.

Fantastic update as always Indu...y did it have to end lol. There were lots of beautiful moments in this one despite the tension. Raj and Naina get the opportunity to spend some time together and Raj gets to see her innocence while she is asleep only for it to be broken by Baldevji. I absolutely loved when he told her that even if she doesn't accept it he is already in her life and she just needs to confide in him. It's only from these little actions and her subtle observations of him does it really hit Naina that she feels something for Raj. What probably makes things crystal clear for her though was when he asked her to promise that she won't ever leave without saying goodbye.

I also loved how observant Adi is. He forgot his glove and was coming back to get it when he sees a strange man threatening his mom. His first instinct is to protect her and so he goes to Raj for assistance. Raj gets more information and i'm pretty sure that he too will start taking more interest in Naina's activities in an attempt to protect her.

Indu you really have a gift with words and I can't wait to see what is in store next.

Oh Saf...Love you for the wonderful review. Thanks. Raj is relentless in his pursuit, isn't he? Once he has decided that he feels responsible for Naina and Adi, there's no going back for him....so what is Naina keeps pushing him away. This is how it is with them: When the chips are all down for them , they find love whispering a promise of happiness. As they say..."If winter comes, can spring be far behind?" :)

Another wonderful update, Pal *hugs*.....have I told you how proud i am of u? U keep up the magnificent job <3 xo

Woohoo so Naina finally gave a name to her emotions....Pyaar ;-):-) but now she is questioning the timing what she doesn't realize is that it came ate the exact moment when she would need it the most in order to fight her past demons....I just love how beautifully u've written her love realization...Hats off to u :D

Aww poor Adi had to see his mom being manhandled by that creep and the fact that he never let his mom know about what he saw just prove how protective of her he is and him telling Raj was another sign that he would go to any extend for his mom even learn to fight....But most importantly he trusts Raj a lot.

I can't wait for Raj to let Naina know that she may try to push him away but he will always be there for her come what way....those two are so madly in love and the best part is that it happened without them realizing it, I just love their text moment :-):-)

Hey pal....It's a blessing to have you as my friend. You have always been there to give that extra nudge and back me up. Thanks.

I so loved what you wrote about Naina's feelings. They indeed will be her rock when the past closes in. She is still unable to confide in Raj...not because she doesn't trust him but because she cannot risk any harm on him. She knows how dangerous the Dhariwal family is. Let's see whether Raj is able to extract the story out of her...especially now when he knows that people are threatening her.

Loved the update.Raj suspects something but he is not aware of how serious it is. Loved the line ' puppy yelping'', Raj growling. Must say great combo.Raj can't take it if she does not say bye at the end of the day, than how will he tolerate her going away from him. I think he has fallen deep now to stay away from her, she can try but he will not let him.Naina is in shock to know that she is falling for him. She is in a dilemma, but adi's security is more important for her than her happiness.Thank god Adi saw the man and told Raj about it. Totally love the kid, so mature for his age, and so protective about his mom. Did you have to stop there. Little more would have been great. Actually while reading your works, I totally forget how long the update is. I just want it to go on and on. Thank you for a wonderful story.Bharathi

You are spot on about your observation of Raj. The more Naina is pushing him away, the more determined he is getting. Naina has gotten under his skin and he refuses to let her go through her problems alone...though he is giving her space to decide whether she needs his help o not. But if people are threatening Naina and being physical with her, he might just forsake his patience.

Indu - Fantastic - as usual..... so the circle is drawing closer and closer...anytime for Naina to be caught within.......glad she shared her insecurities with beeji and let her in. Felt sad for Naina - for not allowing her new emotion to rule. The conversation part was well written and the best part of this chapter was Adi - so matured and so protective -- loved it -- eagerly waiting for your next update.

Thank you Chitra..... Yup, the noose is tightening around Naina, and she knows it...in fact she was expecting it. She had to let beeji in on the plan. She knows that when those people come, they will question beeji. Adi is her main concern.

Another fantastic update Indu. Aww Raj was so enjoying a sleeping Naina. ;) Lol, love how they tease one another. He wasn't letting her know so easily what she said while sleeping.

OMG Naina finally knows she's in love with Raj. That's why she couldn't look at him while he drove off.

Oh my, they are getting so close to finding Naina with every passing day. :( So she went to Baldev for paper changes and make Adi her adopted son to protect him from the monsters. What a pain that is. :(

The poor little boy saw the entire picture and wants to fight with anyone who dares touch his mom. Hope Raj comes to know everything and saved Naina from them.

Thanks Abie. Sorry pal...I have to end the chapter at some point. I don't deliberately do it. I stop when I feel it's the right place. Here, we know what Adi want...We,ll continue with Raj's reactions in the next one.

Naina is still digesting the fact that in her eyes her relationship with Raj has crossed over to a different level. This realization has really taken her by surprise.

Fantastic update Indu di,,,loved itNaina 's past is coming closer n closer Raj n Naina's car scene ,,lovelyGlad that Beeji knew about her tentionPoor Adi saw everything now want to learn figting so that he can save his MomGlad that Raj knew about that incidentEagerly waiting for the next part....Rachna

You know normally boys of single mothers become overprotective about their mothers. It's a natural male tendency. Thus, Adi's reaction and his need to learn to be capable of defending his ma is natural.

thats a great part di i just really felt sad for naina she just realized that she is in love irrevocably but couldnot let her emotion to grow and rule ........raj he is such a great soul and he is trying his best to somehow show his love towards her i dont know whether he realized it or not still..........but i m very confident that raj is the only person who can save naina and protect her and pamper her like never.........

i m really glad that atleast beeji knows to some extent ....and also glad that naina didnt keep her away .......

and that promise convo was so touching di many unsaid words r coming into light there......

oh no naina is almost near to get caught by that dreadful people hope naina will not get hurt again by them

overall its an amazing and awesome update di just greati wish everything is fine with ur health now

AWESOME AWESOME!! the last 2 parts were wonderful progress.. i apologize for not responding to the other part.. work had been CRAZY .. but used to sneak in time to read your updates.. everytime i see a PM .. it is so exciting that there is an update of whispers of spring.. this progression is great.. naina has realized she is in love.. but is fighting the feeling.. wonder when raj's realization will happen and also how the 2 will let each other know about it..

loved that she shared her concerns with beeji.. and also glad that adi witnessed the scene between naina and the stranger, becasue at least someone can let raj in.. if naina wont.. adi will... getting more adn more curious about naina's past and hoping to learn more about it soon..

Hey Ruchi...Great to have you back. Loved your response. Pls don't apologize for anything. I do understand how busy real life can get. I am just happy that you still take time out to follow the story. :)

Endorphins have bubbled to the top and a smile is permanently affixed to my face upon seeing Naina having spurts of euphoric happiness and contentment at the prospect of falling in love with Raj; who apparently has already understood the ebbs and flows of their relationship. Hope it isn’t short-lived though! A tense and illuminating account of Adi’s extremely courageous stance taken against overwhelming odds on his mother’s behalf! Is he really adopted or is his biological father the one whom is responsible for attempting to retrieve him? Each new piece of writing has fed my morbid curiosity, my deep rooted desire to see what the future holds for Naina, Adi and Raj!

Hi Indu! Finally, got chance to take a little time here! Real life seems very problematic and hectic nowadays.Sigh, my kiddo's very special day is approaching, but haven't prepared anything for him yet.

Have read the update, it was fabulous!Can't think of anything negative to say, coz there's no reason for it.As what am often saying, I always love what u have written!

Naina's love realization! Hope what's bothering her will end soon so that she can be able to enjoy what she feels for Raj, and express it without hesitation.

Can Baldevji disappear for awhile so that we can enjoy Raj moment with Naina? Haha, am actually excited to what will happen next but suddenly he came :/ Nwei, Naina needs him at this time, so it's okay! Hope he'll do what she have said and arrange it on time for Adi's sake.

Glad how Raj made Naina feel the sense of belonging. And making her aware that he's already in even if she refused.

I loved the part where he texted/called her when she's in her confused mind, instinct works! Assuring that there's someone who's always there and cares for her.

Raj and Adi are like real father and son, they do have common aspirations for Naina, to protect and make her happy!I love how Adi became assertive, knowing that her mother is in danger. Am glad Raj came to know what happen. Both Naina's knight in shining armor!

Aww, good that Naina told Beeji what bothers her! Hope Beeji will tell it to Raj too.

Keep on going dear! Hope am able to catch the next update, may be very very busy for the coming week..

Take Care always and GOD Bless!Lots of *HUGS and *LOVE from my side :)

I envisage Raj diffusing such a potentially volatile situation with due regard for the safety of Naina and her son. When danger begins to lurk around every nook and cranny of Naina’s life, Raj, and Adi will use Kalaripayatu which is a combination of all forms like ju-jutsu, karate, aikido and martial arts to defeat his opponents. Like ashes falling like snow of gold and the wind blowing upon the breeze, keep me utterly enthralled dear!

First of all wish you a very happy new year ... DI wow sitting in cozy rajai n with a cupt of hot tea and your story wow 1st Jan nice hai naaComing to updatewow raj n care finally knocked the heart of naina big time this time that even she want to she cant escape herself n called it yes it is lovea song comes to my mind is hulchul hui jara shor hua teri ore hua aise chale jab hawa ishuq hua Naina past is getting more scary and threatening to her live n more she is concern of her loved ones’I hope Raj find our more in detail sooner the better but love adi like his mentor to protect the woman he love the most nad not letting any woory surround to another sweetheart he has tanuPS love raj teasing making Naina relax yet restless and then he took promise which i hope she wont and still there is honesty in their conversation that she promise wat will be only if possible by her no lies that again great foundation on its own